Applying For Social Housing

We aim to process initial applications within seven weeks once all required information has been provided.

At present, due to a very high number of applications, the total time from submission to your application becoming “live” is approximately 12 weeks. We assess applications strictly in date order to ensure fairness. Applications will only be prioritised where there is clear evidence that the situation is critical.

Please avoid contacting us repeatedly for updates unless the matter is urgent, as this increases workload and may delay assessments.

Allow two weeks for responses to enquiries and 6–12 weeks for full assessment.

When we assess an application for the Housing Register, we need to make sure that we have accurate and up-to-date information about your circumstances. This helps us assess applications fairly, consistently and in line with our Housing Allocation Scheme.

If you do not provide requested documents, we may be unable to assess your application or determine your eligibility for the Housing Register until this information is received.

We ask for recent bank statements to verify your financial situation. This information helps us confirm the details provided in your application, make sure your savings are below our threshold and identify any relevant housing-related needs.

We ask for a Child Benefit award letter to confirm the children who normally live with you and form part of your household. This helps us assess the size of property you may be eligible for and ensure that your housing application accurately reflects your household composition. We do not normally accept other forms of evidence that a child is living with you.

Being on the housing register does not guarantee an offer of housing. Some people may never be made an offer.

Kent Homechoice provides general information on demand levels and past bidding outcomes, which can help you understand likely waiting times.

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, the council may owe you a duty under:

• s195(2) Prevention Duty
• s189B(2) Relief Duty
• s193(2) Main Housing Duty

If one of these duties applies, you will be placed in Band H – Homeless and may receive a direct offer of suitable accommodation.

Your banding is based solely on your assessed housing need. It cannot be changed by request.

You may move to a higher band if your circumstances change, for example:

• You become homeless (Band H)
• You develop an urgent or significant housing or medical need
• Your overcrowding or hardship increases

You must notify us of any change in circumstances. If your priority increases, you will receive a new priority date.

We are unable to provide your specific rank on a shortlist, as responding to these enquiries reduces the time available for assessments and allocations.

Please refer to the feedback provided on Kent Homechoice, which shows property level demand information.

Kent Homechoice sends broad property alerts, but you can only bid on homes you are eligible for. Some adverts include:

• Age restrictions
• Adaptations
• Local lettings policies
• Parish connection criteria

If a property does not meet your needs, simply do not bid.

Bidding is open for five days. Applicants may place bids at any time during this period.

When bidding closes:

• The shortlist may be filtered to show only applicants who meet the advert criteria.
• Your position may move, or you may be marked “not prioritised.”

Please check the advert details and icons before contacting us, as they often explain the reason.

Your bid may be bypassed if:

• The property has adaptations needed by another applicant
• You do not meet specialist criteria
• The property would not be suitable due to risk or affordability
• A local lettings plan applies

Every decision is reviewed carefully by an Allocations Officer. Reasons can be provided upon request.

You should consider all available housing options, which may include:

• Private rented accommodation
• Low‑cost home ownership
• Mobility schemes
• House Swaps
• Home adaptations
• Safety and security measures
• Support to help you remain in your home

Our staff can provide guidance based on your circumstances.

This depends on whether you are owed a homelessness duty.

If you are not owed a duty:

• You may receive up to three offers.
• After three refusals, your priority band date will be reset.

If you are owed a homelessness duty:

• You will receive one offer of suitable accommodation.
• Refusing it may end the council’s duty to assist you.

If you rent from a private landlord or housing association and your property has outstanding repair issues you should contact your landlord in the first instance to request that they make the defects good.

If they are not responding to your request appropriately, you should contact a Private Sector Officer on 01233 3311111 for advice.

If you rent from Ashford Borough Council, you should contact the Repairs Team on 01233 33111 to request an inspection of your property. The officer will then schedule any works that need to be undertaken in line with our policies.

You may qualify for a housing need if your home has Category 1 hazards that:

• Endanger health and safety
• Cannot be resolved within six months

(Sections 6.2.6 & 7.5.3)

Support is available for applicants who struggle to access the online system due to:

• Digital exclusion
• Disability
• Language or literacy barriers

We can assist by:

• Helping you access the website
• Placing bids on your behalf
• Setting up auto‑bidding where appropriate

Flood risk varies across the UK, and although Ashford is generally low risk, applicants are encouraged to check long term flood risk so they can make informed decisions and consider appropriate insurance.

The link is provided to help you assess this independently.

Auto‑bidding may be enabled if:

• You have requested it, or
• You are unable to use the system due to disability or other barriers

Applicants owed homelessness duties or having a management move may also receive automatic bids placed by the council.

Extra Care Housing is a form of supported housing for people who need additional care. Eligibility depends on:

• Your assessed support needs
• Meeting any age requirements
• The restrictions or criteria set out for the specific scheme

These homes are advertised on Kent Homechoice with full eligibility details.